The lost Roman city of Pompeii tells the incredible story of one of the most notorious natural disasters in all of human history. Now, over 2,000 years later, tourists can visit the ashy city to learn about the daily life of ancient Romans and the volcano that brought the city to its knees. Exploring is hungry work! As you travel to the infamous city, plan out your epic trip with tours, shopping, and dining out at delicious restaurants near Pompeii.
1. The best espresso near Pompeii: Cafe In ☕️
This cafe is only a stone’s throw away from the main square and is a must-stop for espresso in Pompeii. It’s the perfect place to grab a shot of caffeine to jump-start your day or to take an afternoon sightseeing break and grab a treat.
It’s known for its wide selection of pastries and sweets, so just ask the staff for their personal recommendation. The pistachio and chocolate cornettos are highly recommended.
2. The best affordable pasta near Pompeii: Na Pasta 🍝
Na Pasta is the home of the most authentic Neapolitan chefs in the region. This lunch spot serves affordable, specialty pasta from Italy, like gnocchi, spaghetti, and lasagna. The choice is yours!
Each dish is only around 7 euros, so this is the ideal spot for travelers on a budget. The restaurant looks a bit unassuming, and if you’re not careful, you might walk right past it. But take some time to sit and enjoy a delicious pasta lunch at Na Pasta, which may be the best meal of your life!
3. The best dinner restaurant near Pompeii: Casa Gallo 🍷
If you’re looking for an authentic Italian restaurant with tons of charm, look no further than Casa Gallo. This traditional dinner setting is a bit fancier, so feel free to dress up! With an open kitchen, the atmosphere is delightful, and the staff are known to be very attentive and personable with their guests.
4. The most unique restaurant near Pompeii: Cosmo Restaurant Pompeii 🌿
This restaurant is for diners looking to add a bit of creative flavor to their meals. Inspired by the four elements of nature, Cosmo Restaurant incorporates the elements of fire, water, air, and earth into each and every dish. It’s also known as one of the vegetarian-friendly restaurants near Pompeii with its delicious “Adventures in Vegetables” dish. Many reviewers claim the restaurant rivals Michelin-starred eateries but without the hefty price tag.
5. The best pizza restaurant near Pompeii: Trammiere 🍕
Why travel to Italy if not for some amazing Neapolitan pizza? A Pompeii favorite, both tourists and locals highly recommend Trammiere. It’s an authentic pizzeria that uses a wood-fired oven to create a dough that is classically thick, crispy, and delicious. The staff are very friendly and will encourage you to combine multiple flavors on your pizza, so you can get a little taste of everything.
6. The best seafood restaurant near Pompeii: Garum Pompei 🍤
Past the excavations of this ancient city is one of the best seafood restaurants in all of Pompeii. The restaurant pays homage to Pompeii’s luxurious past by serving incredible food and decadent wine. It’s also near the train station, so it’s a great place to dine before catching the train back home; just be sure to make a reservation ahead of time. It’s also known for its delicious salads and is a great vegetarian-friendly restaurant near Pompeii.
7. The best gelato shop near Pompeii: Gioela 🍦
A trip to Pompeii is incomplete without trying some of the city’s famous gelato! Gioela has a bit of everything for every palette, including some amazing vegetarian and gluten-free options. The shop sells gelato, ice cream, and even a delicious tiramisu dessert! Beloved by both tourists and locals, the staff makes every guest feel welcome here.
The history of Pompeii, Italy
The tale of the city of Pompeii is a modern obsession for historians, archaeologists, and tourists eager to catch a glimpse of this ancient city. The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD ended up creating an ashy preservation of Pompeii, including preserving some of its citizens not fortunate enough to escape.
Today, visitors can learn more about the day-to-day life of an ancient Roman citizen, including all about the beauty of Pompeii. The city was a crucial port town along the Appian Way trade route and was known for its bustling agriculture industry. It also welcomed wealthy Romans who would visit Pompeii for a peaceful escape from the city.
Pompeii’s beautiful coastline, olive groves, and luxurious villas made it a desirable destination during the Roman Empire. It was known for its 24-hour taverns, exciting theaters, brothels, and grand bathhouses. Today, many restaurants near Pompeii pay homage to their predecessors’ decadent lifestyle, serving rich dishes paired with delicious local wine.
Unfortunately, Mount Vesuvius was not known to stay inactive. It’s possible it’s erupted at least 50 times in its 17,000-year history. On the day Pompeii was destroyed, the volcano released dark ash that stretched for 22 kilometers and completely darkened the city.
Today, there is a time capsule of life back then, and visitors can catch a glimpse of Pompeii during its heyday. As you plan your visit to this ancient archaeological site, ensure you know where to find the best restaurants near Pompeii, so you can make the most of your trip.
Where is Pompeii located?
Pompeii is located near the coast of Italy in the Campania region. It is around 23 km south of Naples and about a 2-and-a-half-hour drive from Rome.
It’s common to take a day trip to Pompeii, whether by train, shuttle bus, or by personal car. Plus, many visitors combine their trip to Pompeii with a visit to the famous Mount Vesuvius which brought the city to its knees. Check out this blog post for how to easily get to Pompeii for a stress-free visit.
Tours near Pompeii
A reserved entrance ticket to Pompeii includes safe and reserved access to this world-famous archaeological site. You’ll learn about everyday life for Ancient Romans, including visiting the city’s amphitheater, bathhouses, and luxurious villas. Be sure to secure your tickets beforehand so you’re guaranteed access to Pompeii.
A half-day trip from Naples secures transportation from the nearby city directly to Pompeii. Travel on a comfortable, air-conditioned bus from Naples to Pompeii, then get taken under the wing by an expert guide as you tour this historical, archaeological site. You’ll see the city’s old bathhouses, brothels, and villas that offer insight into the daily life of the city’s ancient residents.
Did you figure out what to eat? Here’s all you need to know about visiting Pompeii.
